Traffic Safety (T.S.A.C.)

Traffic safety is one of the City's highest priorities. Orinda PD works diligently to maintain safety on local roads for both automobiles and pedestrians. Officers conducted 60 collision investigations last year, down from 87 in 2011. To help with this effort, the Safety Officer assists Patrol by direct enforcement activity where traffic violations persist.

The Traffic Safety Advisory Committee

The Traffic Safety Advisory Committee (TSAC) was created in 2006 by the City Council to address community concerns relating to traffic safety in Orinda. TSAC, which is comprised of volunteer residents appointed by the City Council, identified the guidelines set forth in the Traffic Management Program. Residents are encouraged to use this program to learn about traffic calming. TSAC meetings are held the 3rd Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at the City Hall.

Tow Release (Impounded Vehicles) Instructions

Appear in Person

The registered owner must appear in person at the Orinda Police Department and present a valid driver license (Class M1 required for motorcycles). If the registered owner does not possess a valid driver license, he/she must bring a licensed driver with them, however, proper ID will be required of the registered owner. If the registered owner is incapacitated or incarcerated, a letter of authorization from the registered owner may be accepted. The letter must include:

Name of the registered owner

Year, make, model, color and license plate of the vehicle to be released

Date and the name of the person authorized to retrieve the vehicle

Signature of the owner

Any other required documentation

Current Registration

The vehicle being released must have current registration with the Department of Motor Vehicles.
If the vehicle needs a smog before tags can be issued, the registered owner shall respond to DMV to pay the required fees needed to obtain a temporary operating/moving permit as well as a receipt for fees paid. These items must be presented to an employee of the Orinda Police Department before a vehicle release can be completed.

After the vehicle is released, it shall not be parked on a public street or open off-street parking facility until the registration is brought current.

Outstanding Citations

All outstanding parking citations against any stored vehicle must be paid prior to the vehicle's release.
A receipt for payment must be obtained from DMV and shown to an Orinda Police Department employee at time of release request.

Fee

A cash only vehicle release fee of $114 must be paid to the City of Orinda. We cannot accept checks.